What to Expect during Breast Reduction Recovery
If you are considering a breast reduction procedure, you probably have questions about the recovery process. Patients in the greater Frisco, TX, area can trust board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ken Smart at Frisco Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. Backed by years of experience and advanced training, he uses advanced techniques to provide patients with optimal results. Dr. Smart provides patients with all the information they need to ensure a safe and comfortable breast reduction recovery.
Preparing for Recovery
In order to prepare for breast reduction surgery, patients should schedule adequate time off from work. Most patients can return to work within 10 to 14 days. In the days leading up to the procedure, you should fill any prescriptions and stock up on healthy groceries that will help you heal, like lean proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Most breast reduction patients can expect to return to work within 10 to 14 days.
Be sure to also place essential items at counter height, since you should not be reaching upwards in the weeks following surgery. Finally, coordinate with a friend or loved one to drive you to and from the surgery, and to help you out around the house for the first 48 hours or so after your operation.
The Day of Surgery
Immediately after breast reduction, patients typically feel fatigued and sore. Some patients may also experience nausea due to the general anesthesia. You will be fitted with a surgical bra over the gauze and dressing in the treatment area. Since breast reduction surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis, patients will be discharged the same day. Once home, you are advised to get plenty of rest, propped up with a few pillows to avoid lying flat on your back.
The First Week
During the first few days after breast reduction surgery, discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common. Patients should continue to rest, but be sure to get up and walk regularly around the house to facilitate healing and avoid blood clots. Pain relievers can be taken to reduce discomfort, and a cold compress can be applied to the treatment area to manage any swelling.
Two Weeks after Surgery
By the end of the first week, patients usually notice reduced post-operative pain. Most patients will have returned to work by the end of the second week. You will also have had your first follow-up visit with Dr. Smart to monitor your healing.
The Month after Surgery
By the end of the first month, breast reduction patients will have returned to most of their normal activities. Major swelling will have given way to residual inflammation, which can persist for several more weeks. Some minor discoloration may be present, particularly around the incision sites, but most bruising will have subsided. Patients may notice some numbness or tingling in the breasts. These sensations will decrease as healing progresses.
The Following Months
In the months ahead, patients can expect to resume all activities, including rigorous exercise, without postoperative side effects. The final results of the procedure may not be apparent for six months or more since the surgery requires significant disruption to the breast tissue.
Do You Have More Questions?
Find out how Dr. Smart can perform a breast reduction procedure with minimal side effects and a relatively short recovery period. Contact our team today or call us at (972) 334-0400 to schedule a consultation.
